Windmill Market Evolves Again with Sale to New Owners

FAIRHOPE, AL - April 20, 2018 – Windmill Market in downtown Fairhope has officially sold to new owners as of Thursday, April 12. In their decision to release proprietorship of the market, former owners Mac and Gina Walcott sought out Jeremy Friedman, Broker of Katapult Properties, to facilitate the sale of this special piece of real estate. The Walcott’s and Friedman’s relationship spans all the way back to when Windmill Market was first built in 2009. At that time, Friedman’s construction company was hired by the Walcotts to build Windmill Market for their family. Now, nine years later, Friedman’s history and familiarity with the market has provided him the opportunity to help this property evolve again.

Originally the site for Klumpp Motors’ Chevrolet dealership in the 60’s and 70’s, the property now known as Windmill Market was purchased in 2008 by architects Mac & Gina Walcott. Their desire was to bring the abandoned building back to life as an emblem of sustainability in the community. Friedman’s construction company was the obvious selection as they specialized in eco-friendly building techniques. Once built, Windmill Market opened its doors in October 2009 to be a place for local commerce, beginning as an open-air arts, crafts, and farmer’s market.

Over the past eight and a half years, Mac and Gina Walcott have advanced Windmill Market’s business with the addition of restaurant tenants, such as Mary Ann’s Deli and the most recent addition: Ox Kitchen. It has also become a gathering place where resident artists, craftsmen, and musicians can sell their products and entertain their town. "We have enjoyed helping develop Windmill Market from a former auto dealership location to an open-air market to what it is now,” said Mac Walcott. "Now, we are excited to see this property evolve even further through new ownership.”

Because of the ongoing business of current Windmill Market tenants, Mac and Gina Walcott requested that the offering be confidential, and they also desired that the new buyer have certain ideals to continue Windmill’s tradition of benefitting the community. The Walcotts asked that the property be marketed directly through Katapult Properties’ broad database of investors and brokers and through one-on-one presentations. By cooperating with Jaime Lyon Cooper of Exit Realty Lyon, Katapult secured the perfect buyers: Wells and Elizabeth Hammock. Committed to the well-being of Fairhope, the Hammocks have run a successful pediatric dental practice, Bay Pediatric Dentistry, for the past 12.5 years. Additionally, Elizabeth was raised in an entrepreneurial family and has a business and finance background. They now feel it is time to once again capitalize on their skills and invest in the community that they cherish.

So, what can we expect in the future for this beloved Fairhope staple? "We are in the process of formalizing our vision, but broadly, the venue will remain a family-friendly, indoor-outdoor space that features food, drink and entertainment,” said Elizabeth Hammock. "We hope to complete our renovations and launch our re-brand in early Fall. Ox Kitchen and MaryAnn's Deli will remain open throughout the renovation process and beyond.”

"I am excited to witness this next evolution of the Windmill Market and am proud to have played a part in it,” said Jeremy Friedman. "The Hammocks, with their commitment to Fairhope, are the perfect owners for this local icon.” And if Friedman’s involvement from the beginning of Windmill Market to its recent sale through Katapult Properties is not enough of a complete story, the Walcotts will also have the opportunity to bring their contributions full-circle as their architecture firm, Walcott Adams Verneuille Architects, is the contracted architecture firm for the new renovations of this building. "Our business partner, Ryan Baker of WAV Architects, is already beginning work on the design,” said Mac Walcott. "We are glad that our firm can continue to play a part in the evolution of this special place.”

ABOUT KATAPULT PROPERTIES

Katapult Properties LLC is a full-service commercial and residential real estate firm in Fairhope, Alabama. The small team of trustworthy professionals personally brokers, develops, and owns investment properties in the Gulf Coast community and beyond.

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